Compact Multi-Column Antenna Parasitic Element Beamwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-column base station antennas struggle to achieve a 65-degree beamwidth with a column separation smaller than 0.9λ, which is necessary for compact antennas with improved MIMO qualities and reduced visual impact, while avoiding grating lobes and maintaining effective radiation patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a parasitic element above each antenna element, excited by capacitive coupling, to reduce beamwidth by adjusting the shape, dimensions, and height of the parasitic element, allowing for column separations below 0.9λ and achieving a 65-degree beamwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If column separation is reduced to achieve compact antenna size, then antenna footprint and visual impact are reduced, but beamwidth control and grating lobe suppression become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system is divided into multiple columns (at least two) with each column containing multiple antenna elements. This segmentation allows independent control of each column while maintaining compact overall footprint, resolving the contradiction between small size and beamwidth control capability
Solution Approach 2:
Parasitic elements are introduced as intermediary components between the driven elements and ground plane. These parasitic elements mediate the electromagnetic field distribution, enabling beamwidth control and grating lobe suppression even with reduced column separation distances
2Reliability
If column separation is reduced below 0.9λ to improve MIMO qualities, then antenna compactness is achieved, but achieving 65-degree beamwidth becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes key parameters including column separation distance (reduced below 0.9λ), parasitic element dimensions (length and height), and parasitic element positioning. By optimizing these parameters together, the system achieves both compact size and 65-degree beamwidth simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna system uses a composite structure combining driven elements, parasitic elements, and ground planes in a multi-column configuration. This composite architecture enables simultaneous optimization of MIMO performance and beamwidth control
3Area of stationary object
If standard dipole elements are used in compact configuration, then antenna size is reduced, but radiation pattern quality and beamwidth control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Parasitic elements serve as intermediaries that improve radiation pattern quality without increasing the overall antenna footprint. These elements modify the electromagnetic field distribution to achieve desired beamwidth and pattern shape
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from two-dimensional planar arrangements to three-dimensional configurations by positioning parasitic elements at specific heights above the ground plane. This vertical dimensionality enables beamwidth control without increasing horizontal footprint
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively narrows the beamwidth to 65 degrees, enhancing MIMO capabilities and reducing the antenna's visual and wind load impact, while maintaining efficient radiation patterns across the desired frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
a parasitic element extends above at least one antenna element in each column. The shape and dimensions of the parasitic element and the height of the parasitic element above the antenna element and above the column ground plane is adapted for proper excitation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an antenna arrangement having an operating frequency band with a mean wavelength λ and comprising at least two columns of antenna elements with at least two antenna elements in each column. Each column of antenna elements extends above a separate elongated column ground plane with a column separation defined as a distance between mid-points of neighbouring column ground planes. The antenna elements in each column are located along a column axis pointing in a longitudinal direction of the column ground plane wherein all column separations are below 0.9λ and wherein a parasitic element extends above at least one antenna element in each column. Parameters of the parasitic element are adapted for proper excitation thus achieving a reduced beamwidth for each of said columns of antennas. The invention also provides a method to manufacture the antenna arrangement.